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Book 



THE MINOR DRAMA. 

No. XV. 



ST. PATRICK'S EVE : 

0R« 

THE ORDER OF THE DAY. 

21 Bxama 

IN THREE ACTS. 



BY TYRONE POWER 



WITH THE STAGE BUSINESS, CAST OF CHARACTERS, 
RELATIVE POSITIONS, ETC. 



NEW YORK: 
WILLIAM TAYLOR & COMPANY 
18 ANN STREET, 



X\\s\^] 



r^ 



I'^-iT 



EDITORIAL INTRODUCTION, 

Some ten years have nearly elapsed since this excellent dra- 
ma commenced its successful career at the Haymarket theatre ; 
in that comparatively brief space, three of the original reprs- 
sentatives of its principal characters, then in the full enjoyment 
of health and reputation, and in the full prime of strength and 
manhood, have been called to their long homes. 

The gifted author — the talented and lamented Power — ^was 
the first to meet " the common fate of all ;" Strickland, the se- 
cond, and Haines, the dramatist, actor, gentleman, and scholar, 
the third ! 

The production of" St. Patrick's Eve" was one of the lucky 
hits of Mr. Webster's admirable management. It won golden 
opinions for poor Power, as the author, and golden realities for 
the treasury. We were present at its first representation, and 
shall not easily forget the delight and enthusiasm of the over- 
flowing audience. 

Mr. Power possessed no common ability as a writer. His 
style is truly dramatic, and his knowledge of character and 
stage tact rendered it impossible for him to produce any thing 
but a good acting drama. " St Patrick's Eve" is conspicuous 
for its possession of these requisites fcr retaining its position 
before the public. 

Major O'Dogherty was one of Power's best pictures of a 
warm-hearted Irish gentleman ; with the exception of Mr. 
Leonard, we know no professor of this description of character, 
at all competent to do it half the justice it received at his hands. 



CAST OF CHARACTERS. 

Haymarket, 1837. Park, 1842. 

Frederick the Second Mr. WeUstcr. Mr. Plaridc. 

General CfMn'. Gotha " Harris. " <tann. 

Major O' Doff kerty " Power. " Power. 

Captain Gustavus Schonfeldt " Seiby. " Clarke. 

Cap*ai- Rrnndt •' Worrell. " Blakoly. 

Seijeant Kraut " Bu^liop. " Macklin. 

Joaen " Hart. " Nickeiison. 

£litz " Strickland. " Povey. 

Doctor Mouche! " Gougrh. " Fisher. 

Francis Raron Trenck '• Haines. " Weils. 

Pierre " Iloss. " Andrews. 

Catherim Miss K Phillips. Mi.-s McBride. 

Madame Schonjelat Mrs. W. Clifford. Mrs. Chippendale 

Mechi , Miss Wrijrhton. '• Pritchard. 

Mrs. Blitz \ Mrs. Tiiyleure. " Barry. 

Time of representation, two hours. 



COSTUMES. 

FREDERICK THE SECOND.— Blue military coat faced with red. white kersey. 

mere vvaistccp.t and small-clothes, blue and while sash, military high boots, and 

three-cocked hat, edged with leather 'rinuning. 
GENERAL COUNT GOTIIA.— Blue military uniform. 
MAJOR 0'DOGHERTY.-!l)id. 
CAPTAIX GUSTAVUS SCHONFELDT.— Ibid. 
CAPTAIN BRANDT.-Ibid. 
SERJEANT KRAUT.— Ibid. 
JODEN.— Ibid. 
BLITZ.— Military undress. 
DOCTOR MOUCHET.— Court suit. 
FRANCIS BARON TRENCK.— First dress: Austrian uniform. Second dra>8: 

Prussian uniform. 
PIERRE.— A lijfht blue jacket, flowered silk waistcoat, black small-clotncs. aj«a 

white stockings. 
CATHERINE:.— A court dress. 
MADAME SCHONFELDT.— Ibid. 
MECHI. — A Prussian peatant's dress. 
MRS. BLITZ.— Ibid. 



EXITS AND ENTRANCES. 

R. means Right; L. Left: R. D. Right Door; L. D. Left Door; 
S. E. Second Entrance; U. E. Upper Entrance; M. D. Middle Dour, 

RELATIVE POSITIONS. 

R., melius Right; la., Left; C, Centre ; Tl. Q., Right of Centre i 
L. C, Left of Centre. 



ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 



ACT I. 

Scene I. — A Saloon in the Chateau of Schonfeldt, with 
balcony, overlooking the country — drums in the distance 
heating the generale — trumpets sounding calls for caval- 
ry, 4r. 

Catherine and Gustavcs discovered looking over the haU 
cony. They advance, 

Cath. Yes, dear Gustavus, it is now too certain : this 
day the king will quit Schonfeldt. 

Gus, The first division of the royal guard is now under 
arms, and the king seldom remains far behind when the 
guards sleep in the field. 

Cath. And to-morrow recommences the dreadful busi- 
ness of war. 

Gus. Nay, may be commenced already, since the Hglit 
division under Prince Henry left their winter quarters 
two days ago, and are now hutted in the field. Aye, and 
call this dreadful war by as many ugly names as you will, 
my own Catherine, there are no hearts leap lighter or 
higher at the trumpet that summons the soldier to the 
field, than those of the gentle sex. 

Cath, Do you forget that I witnessed your arrival on 
this frontier, after your disastrous retreat from Berlin 1 

Gus. You, certainly, on that day, saw us at some disad- 
vantage. Yet, worn as was the royal guard, it had that 
very morning repulsed a whole myriad of Trenck's ras- 
cal Pandours ; aye, and charged up to the very guns, be 



6 ST. Patrick's eve. [Act I. 

hind which the waspish swarm found safety ! 

[ Trumpet sounds, l . — distant. 

Mechi runs in, l. 

Mechi. Oh, my dear Miss Catherine, and Captain Gus- 
tavus, I've come to say — Pray do go on to the balcony 
and look over. [Crosses Catherine.] Here's such aheap of 
counts, and generals, and aides-de-camp, come back with 
the old king, and all the soldiers drawn out below. — Your 
mamma and me in the hall, and Serjeant Kraut and the 
King, and everybody coming in directly. 

Cath. Does my mamma, then, require me to descend ] 
or was it only to tell me this fine piece of news, that you 
left the siglit ] 

McrJii. I declare I'm so deranged, Miss, that I have 
forgotten who it was sent me here, or what I was to do. 
Let me — Oh, aye, now I mind me. Major O'Dogherty 
whispered me to see if Captain Gustavus was here, and 
say he wanted a word with him. [Tnnnpet sounds.] There 
they come ! Oh, Miss Catherine, Miss Catherine, you'll 
lose all the show ! 

Gvs. \Crosses Catherine.] Ha! ha! ha! Here's a sam- 
ple of the terror war creates in the breast of woman ! 
Descend, pretty Mechi, and say to the inajor, I am here 
at his service ; with your leave, that is, Miss Catherine 1 
[Tru?npct again. Catherine hows smiling!?/ — Mechi 
runs off, L., speaking as she goes. 

Mechi. Yes, Captain Gustavus, I'll tell him. Run, Miss 
Catherine, run! Oh, dear! oh, dear! [Exit, l. 

Cath. You smile, Gustavus, at the thoughtless levity of 
that poor girl. Oh ! if she looked but through my eyes, 
and saw, in the doomed line, that being numbered in 
whose life alone she lived, with what changed feelings 
would she regard its deceitful bravery ! 

Gus. Come, come, sweet wife of mine, a truce with 
your coward philosophy, for war is a glorious game after 
all ; and if the penalties fell only on the players, one 
would scarcely count them over-great, the victor's reward 
being still honour, and the cheering smile of beauty ! 
For, say what you will, 'tis ivnman, gentle woman, after 
all, who sends the soldier to the fight. 

Cath. Woman ! Oh, scandal ! scandal ! 



ScEtfF, I.] ST. PATRICK S EYE. 7 

Major O'Doghertif. \ Without, \..\ Do you give yourself 
no trou})le : I'll find the way, I'll engage. 

Guff. Nay, here comes our gallant major, we'll refer 
the point to his experience. He shall decide for us. 

* Enter Major O'Doghi rty, l. 

Major. Heaven save all here ! Miss Catherine, the 
most devoted of your devotees ! [ Crosses to Iter. 

Cafh. Major, we have a point of dispute to refer to you, 
ill which my whole sex is intei-ested ; and you will, 1 
know, when I state the case, decide candidly whether 
woman be in fault or not. 

Major. Undoubtedly ! With the most perfect candour 
and impartiality, I decide, then, that she is^ not in fatilt. 

Gus. What, iMajor, decide in the ladies' favour before 
you have heard me state the case ? 

Major. Surely, my dear lad, therein lies the salvation 
of my gallantry : f^r the love of beauty, don't slate the 
case, or ten to one but my conscience will compel me to 
reverse my decree. 

Gvs. At least permit me to ask, are not the women the 
primary cause of all the wars and fighting which take 
place here below 1 

Major. Indisputably, both here below and there above; 
assuredly, the honour of our warlike propensities is all 
their own. To the gentle sex we owe our earliest at^pi- 
rations after blows ; and from their practical lessons we 
derive the rudiments of the art manual ; for don't we 
firstly fight with our mothers ] secondly, we fight with 
our sisters ; thirdly, we fight with our sw'eethearts, and 
lastly, we fight with one another. Och ! woman is the 
most belligerent of human animals ; for, when single, 
don't they fight for us 1 and when married, don't they 
fight with us 1 So they commence, and so they continue, 
to the end of the chapter of mortality. 

Cat/i. Heavens, major ! what can have induced such 
an uncharitable aspersion of my sex] 

Major. The very best authority, Miss Catherine : my 
own experience. Never was there created a quieter, a 
more peaceably-disposed, or meeker-dispositioned boy, 
than your humble servant, till a pair of black eyes burnt 
a hole in my heart, and set my blood in a blaze. The 



8 ST. Patrick's eve. [Act f. 

first quarrel 1 ever liad in iny life, was for a cousin of 
mv own, one Miss Dalia O'Dogberty. 

' Oath. For which quarrel the lady was not to blame, I'll 
answer for her. 

Major. Answer for no woman's sins, my darling, for 
you'll have murders enough of your own to account for, 
I'll engage. Is it Miss Dalia not to blame 1 Listen : I 
had appointed to meet Miss Dalia in a grove on the sum-' 
mit of a hill, called Knock Duoul, at seven o'clock, on a 
summer evening; well, not knowing how better to kill 
time, 1 strolled up there at six; and just as I gained the 
top of the hill, on one side, who the devil should I see 
snuntering up the other but Miss Dalia herself, leaning 
most lovingly upon the arm of Cornet Macintosh, of the 
Iniskillins. Soho ! cries I, blood and thunder anoons, 
you're there with yourself, are you. Miss D ? says I. 

C((t/i. And \vherefore such sudden passion 1 The 
meeting of this pair might not have been improper. 

Major. Oh ! I dare say not. I'll say no one word^a- 
gainst their meeting that I did not see ; but, by my word, 
their parting bordered on the extreme of propriety, to 
say the least of it. 

Gus. Well, Major, go on ; what followed 1 

Mifjor. Is it what followed 1 A couple of shots a-piece, 
in less than an hour after, and with my second fire 1 spoil- 
ed as pretty a shoulder-knot as ever fell over a cross-belt, 
and qualified the Cornet's right arm for a sling, which re- 
lieved him of all regimental duty for the next six weeks. 

Catk. And he was your fast friend, whom you thus 
cruelly wounded? 

Major. Not at that moment. Miss Catherine. But our 
little explanation restored him to my entire confidence. 
To make him amends for the shot, I gave up Miss Dalia, 
and every evening poor Mac drank to me with his left 
hand. He was a little awkward with it at first, but six 
weeks' practice made him as ready as a fugleman. He 
always vowed, after that, my shot had done him the great- 
est possible service, in making him ambidexter for the 
rest of his life. There, you see, was woman the cause 
of my first fight. Oh, I'll maintain it, that from the days 
of Helen down to those of Maria Theresa, there never 
was a fight, national or personal, in which there wasn't a 



Sct.NKl.] ST. PATRICKS KVE. 9 

woman at the top, the bottom, the middle, and both the 
sides. 

Cath. I should have protested against your judgment, 
major, had 1 known you for such a confirmed woman 
hater. 

Major. A what! a woman hater! Now is it I? — 1 
that dote on the sex, individually and collectively — /that, 
having been all my life a martyr to beauty, am here, as 
ready as I was at fifteen, to live and die for the sweet 
cause ! But talking of killing, apropos dcs hottes, I have 
to congratulate you, my friend, on the chance you have 
of striking the first blow.of this campaign. 

Gus. Have you, then, orders for me, major ? 

Major. No ; but I received an order from the king him 
self to have a squadron of dragoons of the guard mount- 
ed for a reconnoissance. Major, says I, you're in luck: 
and in less than no time, I reported my men in saddle. 
Good, says old Fritz, where's Captain Gustavus \ Down 
fell my phiz, round went the old lad on his heel, to talk 
with Count Gotha, and off I posted to give you a hint of 
your luck, which, next to having myself, I am best pleased 
to see yours. 

Giis. This is, indeed, gallant news, major. 

Catli. \Orosses to him.] Gustavus! 

Gus. Dearest, pardon this folly, but the anticipated 
mark of Frederick's confidence transports me beyond 
bounds. 

Cath. Whilst, to me, how terrible is this dangerous ho- 
nour ! 

Enter Madame Schonfeldt, Mechi, awJ Tivo Servants, l. 

Madujyie. Now, although you must bestir yourselves, 
pray let this be done without any visible bustle, or over- 
haste, for his majesty will only depart the sooner if he 
sees any fuss of preparation. 

[Mechi and Servants cross behind, r. s. e, 

Cath. [Advances to Madame S.] Oh, madam, pity me ; 
the king is about to order Gustavus on instant desperate 
service ; and in one minute he may depart, never again 
to see Catherine, mother, or home ! 

Mad. Nay, my daughter, this is unchristian want of 
faith. Fear not for your husband ; the soldier serving 



10 ST. Patrick's eve. f act I. 

his country in the field, is sheltered by the same Power 
that guards thy pillow, love. Gustavus will return to us. 

Calk. But, mother, to be doomed to watch this cruel 
day decline, and night and darkness come, and yet no 
word of his resting place, or even of his safety ! 

Gus. Nay, that at least shall not be, my Catherine, for 
on my arrival at quarters, wherever that may be, I will 
send assurance to you of my safety. If I have not time, 
or opportunity myself to write to you, then you, Major, 
will promise to write a line for me. Will you not. Ma- 
jor ] 

Major. Miss Catherine, you may rely upon me. I used 
to be regimental secretary to the court of Cupid. When 
I was junior, 1 was polite letter- writer for the whole corps, 
and will wager, even yet, to scribble a billet-doux with 
any field-officer in the service. 

Cafh. 1 shall die if, after this, you fail to write. Pro- 
mise again, that before midnight you will assure me of 
your safety. 

Gi/s. If I avi alive, I swear by this kiss, that he/orc 
midnight, you shall hear from me. [Three ruffs of drums, 
generaVs salute, l. — distant.] Hark ! — So, dry your tears, 
for here comes the king. [All go up, except the Major. 

Major. Aye, here comes the king, sure enough, bright, 
keen, and crooked, like a Turkish sabre. I've not seen 
old Fritz so lively for many a day ; one may know 'tis 
the opening of a campaign, for he bristles up in his rusty 
boots, at the scent of gunpowder, like an old terrier at 
the sight of a rabbit-hole. 

Enter Frederick, General Gotha, Dr. Mouchet, Cap- 
tain Brandt, and Officers of the Staff, Aids, ^v., l. 

Fred. N«^ no, general; no, not yet, not yet; you will 
still retain your command. The army cannot be entrust- 
ed in hands more worthy. You have earned the confi- 
dence of my children and myself, and you possess it fully, 
('ount; fully, fully. [The ladies advance, r., Madame S. 
next to the King.] Fair ladies of the castle, like a true 
knight-errant, here I am to bid you farewell, before I set 
forth to fresh adventure ; and to thank you for your un- 
wearied hospitality. \MerIn. and Serran/s refurn, icith wine 
and. frn it on sdrer .mJrer.s- 



SctNE I.] 



patuiuk'^ kve. 11 



Mad. We are more than repaid by your presence, sire. 
Your majesty's stay has been too short for our desires. 
\Madame S. and Catherine go up. 
Fred. Too long for mine, madame. Excuse contradic- 
tion ; but three months' idleness is too much, out of one 
of the few short years I have left, and so much work on 
hand. Ha ! what say you, major \ 

Major. I say, witlji. your majesty, that I'm never more 
weary than when I've been a long time doing nothing. 
Captain Gustavus waits your orders, sire. 

Fred. Waits ! Who 1 who ] Ah, true, true, Gustavus. 
\Apart to Gotha.] Young Schonfeldt ; the young captain 
of my guard, whom I recommended for the service we 
spoke of, general. He is a son of my kind hostess, a 
native of this frontier, and will be a good guide for it. 

[ The King and Major go up — the General passes over to 
Gustavus, and delivers a. paper, S^c. — As the King 
turns, Madame Schonjeldt and Catherine courtsey, 
pointing out refreshments. Frederick regards them 
through his eye-glass a moment, then exclaims — 
Ah, ah ! an excellent disposition of yours, good madame. 
Come, gentlemen \To Staff], no pauses of ceremony, let's 
fall on like good soldiers. Ladies, I pledge you in Cham- 
pagne ; 'tis sparkling and bright, like woman's love, and 
effervesces as fast. [Drinks. The Officers, also, take glass- 
es, and drink, ho wing to ladies.] 

Gen. You fully comprehend, Captain, I perceive, and 
are perfectly at liberty to depart. 

Gus. Not a moment shall be lost, my general ! [Cross- 
es, L.] Mother, adieu ! CafTi — I dare not trust myself. 
Say so, mother. \Catherijic, having observed Gustavus^ runs 
across, behind all, to i,., as he exits, l.] 

Cath. [Exclaims.] Gustavus ! Gustavus ! 
Fred. Hey ! hey ! what ! what ! 

[ T'he king turns sharply at the sound, whilst Madame 
Schonfeldt interpbses beticeen him and Catherine, ex- 
claiming, in a like tone — 
Mad. Gustavus, my son, may Heaven preserve your 
life, long to serve your royal master and guardian ! 

Fred. Amen ! amen to that prayer, madame. My sol- 
diers are my children ; and I grieve as a father for the 
loss of the meanest of my family. 



12 ST. Patrick's eve. [aci i. 

[Turns vp to tlie balcony — Glee and Chonis of Sol- 
diers below — '* Fonvard, boys, forward T^ Sfc, 

GLEE AND CHORUS. 

Forward, boys, forward ! 

Where is the son 
Would seek to do less 

Than his father has done ? 
Sons of old Fritz, is there one 
Would hang back when his father cries — on ? 
His children are loyal and brave ; 
Fritz fathers nor coward nor slave. 
The battle to shun, say, is there one ; 
Or who'd turn while the father cries — on, boys, on? 
No ! none, brothers, none ; 
Who fear not to die, 
Never know how to fly ; 
But for ever cry — on, boys, on ! 

CHORUS. 

March I march ! march ! 

Forward, boys, on ! — cry on ! still on ! 

On ! on ! on ! \^Dies away. 

[Flourish and shouts at end of Chorus. 

[During the musicy the King listens with perfect atten- 
tion, 7noving his glass in time, and tapping with his 
foot, taking snvff, S^c, Sfc, till, tvith much excitement, 
he pulls off his hat, and, waving it, joins in the Cho- 
rus, enthusiastically repeating, as he advances to the 
front — 
Fred. On, boys, on ; always on, on ! That is the word. 
It should comprise the whole duty of a soldier. But now, 
gentlemen, prepare to mount. Eh bien, mon cher viaitre 
en philosophie, tcnez ! Have you directed Brunet and his 
staff to prepare ^e^/^ souper, in that same lodge you fell so 
desperately en tete with him ] 

Doc. All is in due course of preparation, sire. 
Gtn. Surely your majesty dues not seriously intend to 
quarter in that lonely cottage ! 

Fred. Most seriously, because of its loneliness. We 
love quiet, nous autres. Eh, Docteur ] 

Doc. A mind like yours, sire, would people the most 
lonely desert. 

Gen. The cottage in question is situated at the very ex- 
tremitv of uur line. sire. 



Scene I.] ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 13 

Fred. I know it. 
Gen. Shadowed by the forest. 

Fre:l. Yes, shadovvetJ and sheltered ; the north wind is 
yet bleak, and we grow old and chilly, ha ! 

Gen. Has your majesty no apprehension, in the event 
of an attempt at a night surprise ? . , -i 

Fred. I can have no apprehensions of a surprise, whilst 
you command, count. [Bowing graciously. 

Gen. \ Bows low.] You will, at least, sire, permit me to 
place a strong guard about the house in question 1 

Fred. What ! to proclaim my snug retreat 1 No, no, 
my quarter must not be named or known, nor do I re- 
c^'wG any visitors, yourself always excepted, count ! In 
order, however, not to interfere with your active duties, 
the words for the day I will myself bring to you, or I'll 
send them by the doctor, whom 1 here appoint aide-de- 
camp. Ha, ha! . . . , c^ 
Doc. I shall be much honoured, sire, in the othce. 
Fred. \ must make you a soldier mon clier maitre : the 
only return I can proffer for your lessons in philosophy. 

Doc. That I ca77ie to teach, is true, sire ; but I remain 
to bo instructed. In philosophy, as in poetry and war, 
your majesty will endure no rival. [Bows obsequiously. 

Fred. [Aside.] That's very well s?id; very well, >r « 
doctor .'—[Aloud.] But go, Mouchet, and see that all is 
arranged at the lodge. Tell my cook that we'll sup at 
twelve o'clock. [Exit Mouchet, l. 

[As the king turns to address the Staff, the Officers ad- 
vance, L. c, the General in front of group. 
Fred. Now, gentlemen, good morning. I am well sa 
tisfied with the state of your different corps, and trust our 
doings will be answerable to our appearance. But I find 
some laxity of discipline has crept over you, since gout 
has been more frequent with ine. I have therefore re- 
solved to restore our- ancient rigour, which defied reverse, 
and often turned defeat to victory. And be assured that 
the first order of the day, which I discover to have been 
broken, in letter or spirit, were the culprit jny brother— 
772?/ own brother— he shall pay the extreme penalty. Make 
known this resolve to my children, gentlemen, and bid 
them be prudent, as they value their father's anger. [Beck- 
ons Catherine on his ^..—tahes her hand] Mademoiselle 



14 ST. 



[Act I. 



Catherine, adieu. You look, I think, but dully at this 
hour of parting; thirty years ago I might have read those 
dimmed eyes in my own favour^ but that's all over with 
me now. 1 can only promise, that any name you may 
choose to whisper in my ear shall find favour, even for 
your sake. \FincJies her ear tvith great kindness of vianrier. 

Cat/i. Ah, sire, your favours are too hazardous to be 
desired for any one we would wish ever to see again. 

Fred. Hum ! Not the less acceptable sometimes, be- 
cause peiilous. A icifey now, would have caught eagerly 
at my offer. 

Cath. Do you think so, sire 1 [Sighs. 

Fred. 'Tis plain that you do not. Well, you have yet 
time enough for experience. [Catherine retires. \ Ha, ha ! 
[Frederick adrances a little towards Madame S.\ Madame 
Schonfeldt, adieu ; thanks, thanks, and adieu ! Allons^ 
gentlemen ! [Going. 

[Major crosses to follow the King — Catherine catches 
his arm. 

Cath. [Impressively \ Do not — oh ! do not forget me ! 
[Frederick turns round, shaiyly, eyeing them close. 

Fred. Forget me! What] Who? Eh? Major— i^or- 
get what ? what ] 

Major. Nothing at all, sire ; nothing. 

Fred. That much you will remember, I'll answer. But 
what, I say, are you not to forget 1 

Major. I'm not to forget to remember that. [Looking 
at Catherine^ and placing his hand on his heart.] Honour, 
sire, honour. 

Fred. Oh, ho ! I see how the wind sits. Honour, eh ! 
honour! [Imitating.] Honour! Be at rest, pretty one; 
Til answer for the major's never forgetting that. Ha, ha, 
ha ! On, boys, on ! Who'd turn when old Fritz cnes — 
on I 

Officers. Long live the king ! 

[Flourish drums and trumpets — the King and, all the 
Officers exeunt, l. — ladies go up to window. 

Scene H. — Almost Night. — A Wood. 

.Enter Trenck, l., disguised, trs a Courier, followed hy 
Pierre, in Vvery. 

Trench. And nn that lodge he has positively fixed 1 



Scene II.] ST. PATRICK*S EVE. 15 

Pierre. Out, dat is, Monsieur le Docteur have fix for 
him, which is ze meme chose, — all you want, eh 1 

Trench. Not quite all, ami Pierre ; hut does your mas- 
ter now return before the king ] and through this wood ] 

Pierre. Dis I can no say — par hazard, oui. If he come 
alone, he come by dis route ; if not, he will see you to- 
night sometime, after ze old wolf go fast to sleep. Voyez 

Trenck. If I had but half a dozen of my fellows here 
now, with fresh horses, we might at once do the work 
openly by coup-de-main. We are a quarter of a mile 
from the extreme piquet on the left, with this thick wood 
lying between, and in front. I've marked every sentry 
within the circle of a league. 

Pierre. Parle has ! J'cntends quelque chose, someting is 
coming by-and-bye ! [ Looks out.] G'est lui-memc. [ Trenck 
retires a little, l.J 'tis ze docteur ! 

Enter Dr. Mouchet, r. 

Pierre. Bon soir, mon rnaitre. You are come well, 
Monsieur est Id. [Pierre points over his shoulder^ l. 

Doc. Good ; I am all alone ; all's safe ! The Baron 
may advance. 

Trenck. Then I may cry serviteur. Monsieur le Docteur. 

Doc. Pierre, allez chez nous ; tell Brunet the king sups 
at 12 o'clock. 

Pierre. [Crosses, L.j Pas avantel 2^cstc ! I shall be kill 
wis some hunger before 12 o'clock ; diable m'emporte. 

[Exit, L. 

Doc. All goes on well, baron ; the old dotard, wrapt in 
his new theory on universal government, leaves General 
Gotha in command of the army, and takes up his own 
quarters in the very lodge we reconnoitred. He keeps 
about his person only his valet, his dogs, Brunet, his cook, 
Pierre, and your humble servant. Lo ! I have shorn this 
Samson now, be it yours to bind him. 

Trenck. He is ours ! Within less than a mile of the 
river, in the vaults of the old castle of Hernstein, lie some 
score devils of mine, who, once in saddle, wink at neither 
fire, steel, hemp, or water — but how safely to approach 
the Prussian lines % 

Doc. Tenez ! Plave you procured, as I requested, the 
uniforms and horse furniture of the Royal Dragoons of 
Frederick's ovvn guard ] 



]6 ST. Patrick's eve. [act i 

Trenck. Complete, from head to spur rowel, all is pre- 
pared. 

Doc. To-morrow, then, make grande toilette. Get your 
savages shaved and washed, and made as Christian-like 
as possible. Immediately after the rounds pass at 8 o'- 
clock, boldly approach the line of sentries nearest this 
point; I divci tuYi\e(}i militaire, you must know, and have 
the honour to be aide-de-camp to the king ; I am to bear, 
the pass-word for the night, to General Gotha ; this pass- 
word I will write on a scrap of paper — at the moment 
when I depart for Count Gotha's quaiter, Pierre shall 
cross the river, and deposit this paper without the line of 
sentries, at the old place, where you will find it. When 
you have once gained the shelter of this wood, leave your 
horses here, and with a dozen or so of your barbarians, 
approach the king's lodge. Pierre will be ready in wait- 
ing to conduct you to the king, who will be occupied with 
me, alone, and in our hands. Is all clear to you 1 

Trenck. As mid-day. Your hand, docteur. Till to- 
morrow night, adieu. We play for a high stake, win or 
lose — a king for a ransom on the winning side ; rope, bul- 
let, or bayonet, if the dice turn against us : au revoir. 

[Exeunt, Doctor, l., Trenck, r. 

Scene III. — An extensive 'plain — Twilight — trumpet call, 
" Stahleup" — drums heat tattoo — the Royal Grenadiers 
en bivouac — guns limbered up— forage-carts, Sfc, — tents 
and huts of the soldiers, watchfres, Sfc, 

CHORUS. 
Staff Serjeant, wilh Order of the Day, and Jodew. 
Serjeant. 
Stir, boys, stir ! Pot off — fire out ! 
That's the Order of the Day ! 

JODEN. 

But why this hurry — why this rout ? 
We're willing to obey. 

The Staff Serjeant with " Order^* in his hand. 
Attention ! attention ! attention ! 
List ! the " Order" which we mention ; 

Attention, soldiers, pray : 
'Tis the King's command, 
Signed by his hand, 

" The Order of the Day !" 



Scene I I.] ST. fatkiuk s iuvk. 17 

CHORUS. 

Attention ! attention ! attention ! and obey ! 

BASS SOLO. [^Joden reads. 

When the stin sinks past yon tree, 
All at rest must quiet be ; 
Not a note must corae from trump or drum, 
Or a sound, save the beetle's drowsy hum. 

TENOR SOLO. 

No fire, or light, must be seen to-night. 
Save the stars above, that shine ever bright! 

They take their own way, and will not obey 
The King's command, 
Though signed by his hand. 

Or, tlie " Order of the Day !" IChorui. 

Mrs. Blitz, Mr. Blitz, Soldiers, and Women, disco- 
vered. Serjeant and Joden advance. 

Blitz. Thunder and lightning, serjeant-major, but this 
is sharp practice for a beginning. No fire after sunset, 
in March, and we just out of our warm straw and snug 
shelter ! 

Serj. See what it is, now, to give you old rogues a 
taste of luxury and ease. A profusion of pea-straw, and 
a warm barn-lioor, for two months, has been the ruin of 
you all. This is gratitude for the care the king has had 
of your carnal comforts. 

Joden. Ha, ha, ha ! Fritz gets old and timorous ; liG 
can't forget the loss of Berlin yet, eh ? 

Serj. No ; but the sooner you forget it the better. A 
defeat is not the thought to have uppermost at the open- 
in.o- of a campaign, old Joden. 

"^Joden. Thunder ! You forget, comrade, for one de- 
feat, how many victories I can call to mind : — Glogau, 
Molwitz, Dettingen, Friedberg, Rosbach, Hertzberg ! be- 
sides sieges and skirmishes out of number. 

Blitz. Well said, old Joden, but mum! here come the 
rounds. 
J, Enter Captain Brandt and Four Dragoons, r. s. e. 
^ Cnpt. Fires all getting out] serjeant-major, be quick. 

Ser'). Yes, sir. Come, stir there, stir ! Out fires; quick! 
quick I V 1 J 

Joden. [Salutes Captain.] Not so much as a lighted 
pipe allowed to-night, eh, captain ] 



18 ST. Patrick's eve. 



[Act 



> Capt. Not unless you'll run the risk of being shot for 
it to-morrow, old comrade, eh ? 

Joden. Ha, ha ! Why, I have risked a shot or two be- 
fore now, f(<r less than a whiff of K'naster. 

Capt. But not in defiance of ''The Order of the Daij^^ 
I fancy. Eh, old grumbler ? 

Joden. Oh, no ; but storm, wind and hail, captain ; this 
is a teazer. Is it one of Fritz's own orders, or is it the- 
general's ] 

Capt. The king's own order. " Whosoever is found 
with light or fire, an hour after sunset, shall, on convic- 
tion, be shot at the expiration of twenty-four hours, with- 
out hope of pardon." The king is serious, as you may 
guess by the preamble. ]'ll have it read to you. 

Joden. Oh, no ! Thanks, captain, that's enough. [Cap- 
tain Brandt and Dragoons cross, and exit, l ] No mercy, 
eh ] I know when old Pache is in earnest. Come, boys, 
let's drain out our rations, and kennel up for the night. 
Old Fritz will be amongst us by-and-bye, perhaps ; and 
if he is, I'll talk the matter quietly over with him : till 
then, we've only to obey. Harkye, younker, [Taking a 
canteen from a recruit.\ mine's out ; — all the same amongst 
comrades : " The king !" [Drinks. 

All. " The king !" huzza ! [Drum and trumpet. 

CHORUS. 

SOLO. JonKN. 

Clink, clink the glass ! 

One clink, and good night. 
Bran't wine sure will pass, 

Be it dark, boys, or light. 

CHORUS. {Waltz.) 
A dance warms well as a fire ; 
And for music what would one desire, 
But the clink of the can while we drink, 
The clink, clink, clink, while we drink ! 

Duet and Tenor Solo. Woman and Joden. 

Good night ! good night ! 

And may morning bring 
Health to our father! 
Our good old father! 
Our brave old father 

Our father, and king ! 
(/link, clink, clink ! dance, dance, and sing ! 



SCEWEI.] ST. FATKIUKS fcVt. 19 

A health to our father ! — our father and king ! 
Clink, clink, clink, &c., &c 

[In the course of the music, the soldiers and women 
dance; and, as it finishes, all waltz off progressively ^ 
at various entrances, R. and L., leaving only the sen- 
tinels parading, 

END OP ACT I. 



ACT II. 

Scene I. — Interior of wretched Cottage — saddle, carbine, 
Sfc, hung up — stool before door — on l., a truckle-bed, 
boot-jack, and slippers — in c, a table, with candle, dark 
lantern, matches, pistol, tinder-box — chair on r. of table, 
stool on L. — quite dark. 

Major O'Dogherty, discovered seated, with pipe. 

Major. Hah, Saint Patrick ! but on the eve of your 
own clay, this is cold comfort for a countryman — an emp- 
ty canteen, a full pipe, and no fire ! I've tried to flatter 
myself into a belief that I'm smoking in the dark, but 
find I'm not so easy to be humbugged as I had hoped, 
though it is dark. If Captain Gustavus's party was but 
reported returned, I'd get between the blankets, and warm 
myself with the thought of my snug quarter at Madame 
Schonfeldt's. Poor Miss Catherine ! 1 was nigh heart- 
broke to look at her when 1 came off, Don't forget, says 
she. Honour, says t. What's thati cried old Fritz. Ha, 
ha, ha ! I put his nose on a wrong scent for once, cun- 
ning and curious as he is. I'm cold ; never mind, a few 
nights' practice will make all this wretchedness come 
quite natural again. It's nothing when one's used to it. 

[Sings. 

Tobacco is an India weed. 

Springs up in the morning, cut down at eve. 
Man's life is such. 

Sentry. \ Without.] Who comes ? 

Major. [ Continves.] It fades with a touch ! 

Gustavus. \ Without.] A friend ! 



20 ST. Patrick's bve. 



GusTAVus enters at d. f. 



[Act II. 



Major. Think of this whilst you're smoking o' baccy! 

Gus. Is the major at home ] [Looking in at door on fiat 

Major. At home 1 

Gus. Is the major at home, I say % 

Major. Not quite, just yet; it will be a long time be- 
fore I'm at home in this pig's palace. Gustavus, my boy, 
is that yourself? Give us a feel of your fist. Don't 
tread on the cat ; she's the only christian companion I've 
got in this doghole ! What ! your left paw ! How's this, 
hurt? Diahle ! Not badly, 1 hope. Was it a shot, or a 
slice 1 or may bo a poke from the pike of some d — d 
Pandour ! Why, what the devil's come to you % Can't 
you see to speak in the dark % 

Gus. Zounds, major, give time for breath. I have had 
a rencontre with rascally irregulars, backed by a troop of 
Daun's cuirassiers, and — 

Major. And soundly you peppered both the irregulars 
and the regulars, I'll be bail ! Oh, the boys were in fine 
fighting order, horse and man. 

Gus. Do attend, major. You must know, I pushed 
part- of my detachment across the river, to pursue the 
enemy in flank. Now, what I fear is, that, from the line 
of their route, they will return by the chateau Schonfeldt, 
and possibly halt there. 

Major. They are fools if they don't halt there. 

Gus. I am lost if they do ! since they will report me 
killed to a certainty, my horse being shot, and I down in 
our first burst. 

Major. Pooh ! what signifies their saying you're dead 
to-night, when you can contradict the report, viid voce^ in 
the morning ? 

Gus. We must not leave it uncontradicted so long. Ma- 
jor ; you remember my pledge to poor Catherine. 

Major. What, the letter 1 Whew ! 

Gus. Under any circumstances, I'd keep faith with her. 
But at present, I'd not risk leaving her to the torture of 
such a report for worlds ! I must keep my word — coute 
qui coute — she must hear from me within an hour. 

Major. You ought to have thought of this promise of 
yours bcfS> -e coming into the camp at all. 



ScEin:!.] ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 21 

Gus. I know I ought; but it was only when I arrived 
at the general's, that, finding my report received in dark- 
ness, I learnt the present order of the day ; the devil take 
it ! I say. 

Major. Amen, say I ! if saying so be not treason. 
What will that do 1 You can't write left-handed, you 
know. 

Gus. Meantime, you must be my amanuensis ; come, 
Major. 

Major. Is it to write 1 You might as well ask me to 
light you a pipe. I'd as easily crawl through the touch- 
hole of a carbine, as scribble a billet-doux in the dark. 

Gus. Pho! pho ! my dear Major. Love is always blind, 
you know. 

Major. Maybe he is, but 1 never heard that his clerk 
was. Besides, consider my regard for orthography : I'm 
no walking dictionary by day, and in the dark — I'd not be 
able to spell peas in the dark. 

Gus. Well, well, we'll have a light, then. Major. 

Major. Oh, to be sure, an illumination ; but first, may- 
be, you'd read the " Order of the Day." 

Gus. In the dark, how the devil can I read it 1 Come, 
come, dear Major, torture me no longer ; you are pledged 
to aid me, you know. Consider, the health, nay, the very 
life, of that dear girl, depends on one line from your 
hand. Can you refuse, Major? 

Major. Didn't I decide woman was at the bottom of 
all mischief; I wash my hands of it. I'd not take part in 
creating the blaze of a rush-light, not for a regiment of 
the guards. 

Gus. [Feels the pipe.] Why, you've broken the letter of 
the order already ; you've been smoking evidently, that I 
can see. 

Major. Can you 1 Then you can see smoke without 
fire, and that's what they never see in Kilkenny with it, 
for — 

It's there you'd see fire without smoking, 
For a penny you'd buy fifty eggs, &c. &c. 

No, I rejected temptation, though cool as an iced melon, 
and having all the material left ready under my very nose. 

Gus. I don't see it. 

Major. How should you 1 — but you may feel it. Isn't 
that the pistol tinder-box — my own invention 1 



22 ST. Patrick's eve. [Act ii 

Gus. Well ? 

Major. Isn't that a match ? 

G71S. Well 1 

Major. And isn't that a lamp ? 

Gus. And you persist that your stupid invention will 
ignite tinder ! 

Major. Of course it will, like lightning. 

Gus. I never saw it succeed once in twenty times. Ha, 
ha, ha ! 

Major. The devil you didn't. I'll hold you a rouleau 
it doesn't fail once in twenty times. 

Gus. Done, for a rouleau. 

Major. Done ! [Pulls the trigger, and obtains a light.] 
There's once ! 

Gus. [Lighting the candle.] That's enough. I lose, 
Major, 

Major. The devil ! what are we at ! The sentry will 
see our light through the cracks in the door. 

Gus. Under my hat, impossible ; you've won. Major. 

Major. Damn the wager : out with the light, I say ! 

Gus. Quick, Major, or by heavens I'll set the thatch in 
a blaze. 

Major. Do, and I'll run away in the smoke. Zounds, 
you're mad. Och, devil take your wager; I'm ruined ! 
Here, here's my dark lantern. I'll light that, and shut it 
closf; ; no one can see it, not even ourselves. 

Gus. May I trust you ] honour. Major, honour! 

Major. Oh, honour ! put out that candle. 

[Thci/ light the lantern^ and put out the candle. 

Gus. Thanks, dear O'Dogherty ; for lyiyselfl would not 
ask this, you know, Major, but poor little Catherine, you 
know, Major. 

Major. Och, blarney ; you know, Major, I'll be shot, 
you know, Major; here's the material ; now, to be quick ; 
let the light come oblique ; so, that's bushels ; now, fire ; 
pooh, that is, indite. My dearest, dear, darling, the old 
beginning, I suppose. 

Gus. Pooh, nonsense ! 

Major. You may say that ; d — d nonsense ! Be quick! 

Gus. Now, you will not be surprised, love. [Dictating. 

Major. I'll be surprised at nothing, after my breaking 
an order of the day. — Well, surprised. 



Scene I.] ST. PATRICK^S EVE. 23 

Gus. At my hrcvUy, when hereafter I inform you luhat a 
penalty 1 incur in loritlng it. 

Major, That's true ; more fool I, says you, in writing 
it ; well, go on. 

Gns. But unth you I icill keep faith^ although, to do so, 
J break the order of our father and king. 
Major. Father and king ! 
Sentry. [ Without.] Who comes ? 

[The soldiers, who were arranged behind the scene on 
la., now march a'^ross, not in sight, but the sound of 
their feet is heard distinctly. Major puts his hat 
over the lantern, keejying it in front. 
Major. Hark ! Go to the door, Gustavus, and see if it's 
the rounds passing. May be it's Fritz himself taking a 
stroll in the dark ; come, be quick, my fingers are so fro- 
zen, that, curse me if I can tell whether I've iiold of a 
pen or a pitchfork. 

[During the speech, Gustavus goes to the door, pulls it 
open, and beholds the King in the door-xcay — Gusta- 
vus starts, and retreats into the side-door in the en- 
trance, R. — the King, turning, looks in at the thresh- 
old, and. challenges aloud with — 
Fred. Who goes there 1 eh ? 

Major. Ha, ha ! 'Pon my word, that's very like, a good 

imitation, ha, ha ! but, come, shut the door and be damned 

to you, or this lamp will burn a hole in my hat. Fauo-h ! 

I'll stink of oil like a Russian Grenadier for the next ten 

days. Come, sit down till I finish. [Uncovers the lantern. 

[Frederick beckons on Joden and another soldier, and, 

having closed the door, comes forward, feeling his 

way with his cane. 

Why, what ails you ? you keep sliddering about like a 

cow in a pair of skates — Ha, ha, ha ! I'm thinking if 

chat had been old Fritz, and he'd taken it in his head to 

come in ! I remember the very night after the battle of 

Rosbach, I walked into my hut, wet and weary, and there 

I found the old king rolled up in my best blanket fast 

asleep, with the only dry shirt I had in the world twisted 

round his head by way of a night-cap. Ha, ha, ha ! that 

royal visit was a majority in my way ; but for all that, by 

my soul, were he to walk in now, my majority and life 

would not be worth a purchase of — how many hours do 

you say 1 



24 



[Act it. 



Fred. \On the chair, r. fif table.] Just twenty-four ! 

Major. [Starting, and cautioush/ iiiming the Jight on tJie 
King's face] Ell! W — what! — The King ! Fuit, ODog- 
herty, there will be a speedy death-vacancy in the list of 
field-officers ! Sire, 1-know my offence, and am prepared 
to pay the penalty. [Rises respcrtftilly. 

Fred. Grenadiers, advance. Major, you are under ar- 
rest. Give up your sword. 

Major. Sire ! my sword to — 

Fred. To me, to me ! It will suffer no shame in my 
hands. 

Major. Your majesty does me too much honour. May 
It find a hand in which it may do you better service than 
it ever did in mine. 

Fred. Umph ! that might be difficult. But, bah ! what 
signifies the hand being heavy when the head is so light ] 
What trash is here 1 [Taking the paper off the table.] Let 
me see. Grenadier, hold up the light. 

Joden. No ! 

Fred. No ! wherefore no 1 

Joden. Against the order of the day ! 

I'rid. True, by Jove ! the guard will be on us all ; blow 
it out. [Joden bJoics O'tt the light.] So, now we obey the 
** Order of the Day." Is not that old Joden '? 

Joden. Yes, father, it is. 

Fred. I thought so — good ! T should have known evil 
example would fail to reach a grenadier of thiity years, a 
true sr n of old Frederick's. Major, 1 must make you an 
example for my whole guard. [Jmpressirely. 

Major. It will not be the first time you have done me 
that lioiiour, sire. 

Fred. Hum ! true, true ; 1 grieve that it will be the last. 
You must die, Major. 

Major. 1 ever held my life for your majesty's service. 

Fred. I could have wislied to have disposed of it at a 
later period, and on a fitter occasion. VV ho was v\'ith you 
when I entered] Vou had a companion; who was he 1 
Eh? 

Major. A gentleman for whom 1 entertain too high a 
respect to trouble with much (tf my company — myself, 
sire. 

Fred. Do you usually converse so loudly with yourself? 



Scene I.] 



ST. Patrick's eve. 25 



Major. For want of better company, sire. 

FreiL Huin ! You'll not tell me who your companion 
was, then ? [Major bows. — Aside.] I'm glad of it. — [Aloud.\ 
And this precious scrawl was, 1 suppose, for — 

J\Jajor. Honour, sire, honour! 

Fred. I'm silent. Hum ! S//e, so gentle, in love with 
yo%i ! I should not have thought it possible. 

Major. There's no accounting for taste in such matters, 
sire. 

Enter Captain Brandt at door in fiat. Comes doicn, r. 

Fred. Well ; what now 1 who's there 1 Speak : who 
comes 1 

Capt. The valet of the French savant seeks for you, 
sire. • 

Fred. Hah ! from Mouchet. I'll come to him. Cap- 
tain Brandt, call a court martial of my guard at head- 
quarters in the morning; let the proofs against the cri- 
minal be duly entered and examined ; he will die one 
hour after sunset. Good night. [Going. 

GusTAVus comes from the side door, r., greatly agitated^ 
and kneels to the King, l. 

Qen. Oh, sire ! 

Fred. Who's here'? I-Iah ! Gustavus Schonfeldt — eh 1 
a brave lad, worthy your father. I've heard all ; and so 
you're wounded — eh ? / 

Gus. Sire, 1 come on my knees to — 

[The King turns away from Gnstavus — Major whispers. 

Major. Consider Catherine, your mother. 

Gus. Catherine, my mother ; my poor mother ! 

Fred. [Catching at the word, and drawing out his pocket- 
book.] Aye; true, true, your mother; I had forgot her. 
We'll send you to her to assure her of your safety ; you 
have leave for four days, and may pass the lines to-night ; 
here, here's the word. 

[Gires a paper which he has written on. 

Gvs. This night, may I 1 — Oh, sire, this is a gift. Yet, 
my friend — I cannot leave him. Sire, one word, I^ — 

Major. [Aside to him.] You're mad ! 

Fred. Not a word, or 1 revoke my favour. Begone to 
your home ; there is one there, your cousin Catherine, the 
C 



26 ST. Patrick's eve. [Act ii. 

affair of this night, T fancy, will need to be broken to lier 
by a ffienilly toiiq;'iie. 

Major. Poor Catherine ! poor Catherine ! 

Gas. Oil, torture ! Jiut, sire, permit me to pas-; to-raor- 
row with my friend. Grant this, for Heaven's sake ! 

Fre L Certainly ; I seek to be just, severely so, perhaps. 
I am not inhuman enough to keep comrades from an 
adieu. Captain, let Gustavus see the prisoner when he 
pleases to-morrow, after court-martial. 

(r'/.v. Thanks, siie, thanks ; [Aside to Major,\ Major, for 
a few hours, fire well ; rely on me ! 

[ E rit (it- D. p. — Ki/ii^ is taming from Brandt* 

M ijor. One fivour, sii'e. 

Frel. Name it quickly. 

M'ljo". To be shot by grenadiers of the guard. 

Frf.'l. Granted. Captain, see to it. 

M ijor. One other, sire? 

Fred. WSl 

Major, To die in parade order. 

Fred. Yes, certainly ! Captain, let the major's sword be 
restored to him after llie sentence is recorded. He is a 
brave soldier, and ought to die wearing that sword he 
never drew but with h(»nour! [Going. 

JMa'or. Thanks, sire, and long life! 

Frel. Captain, look well to your guard. You can 
leave the major in his own quarters. 

Cnpt. Guard, turn out I 

Fred.. No, no ; you forget. I have no present com- 
mand here, theref )re no guard; no nonsense, no noise ; 
quiet, quiet, and good night. [Mahes a hasty adrance to 
the door — sfops and raises his hat, looking towards Major. \ 
Major, farewell ! [Exit, u. f. 

Major. Heaven save you, sire. May you live to drub 
every foe you've got in the world, though I'll not live to 
help you ; for you're every inch a soldier, and a soldier's 
friend. 

C'ipt. Major, can I by any means serve you 1 

Mijor. No, thank you, my dear lad ; only let my bat- 
man, Blitz, pass in betimes in the morning to call me, 
that I may make a decent toilet, and get breakfast before 
this last court-martial of mine. I always hated court 
martials. \ 



Scene I.] 



ST. Patrick's eve. 27 



Ctipt. Your servants shall have free nccess ; rely on it. 
Mcijor, adieu ! [Gires directions to sentries, and r.r.-Y, irith 
Mdjof's sword, at D. F. — Jodc?/ and tin' other soUUers pnre 
to and fro as seMrics. — Ti.c Major takes off Iris w^, hools. 

Major. This is a pretty St. Patrick's eve ! a pietty 
wind-up to the opening of a campaign ! I must he wri- 
tino- love-lelters, and be d — d to me ! and second-han.l, ten). 
Oh, Miss Dalia 0'L)ogherty, 'tis you who have brought 
me t(» tliis! — I can't' see why a man shouhhi'i pass his IhsI 
niirht snuo- and comfortable, as well as his tirst. '1 hat 
thfef, I^Htz", always foi-gets how to make my bed, though 
Mrs. B. knows well enough how I like to lie. Poor 
soul ! 1 hope she'll think of a shamrock for me. \ awM 
that's cosey; good night, old comrade. 

Joden. Good night, major. 

[ Tiie]i face ahout and stand fast. 

Major. That'll do, my lads: walk about, but tread 
light.] T/ie se?itries resume their icalk, and the Major eom- 
poses himsef to rest on the hed 



END OF ACT IT 



ACT III 



harl- 



SCENE I. — The General's Quarter— House w. 3d 

ed /)!/ distant conutnj. 
Two D\i\GOONSonduf!j (If door, GurNXDiiRs r/'.v "■ r ,., 
standing at ease, l., with Joden, Bi.itz, and S .!. w 
in front. 

Serj. A sentence must pass, of course ; but 1 say, the 
king ought to pardon him. 

Bh'tz. He ought, or he'll lose the best ofiicer ot ti)e 
First Regiment of Dragoons of the Royal Guard. What 
savest thou, Joden? 

'jodefi. 1 say ihe king onght not to pardon him, though. 
he is the best officer of the Dragoons of the iUxivA 
Didn't the major break the "Order of the Day," and ihdl 
the very fircit issued '? 



28 ST. Patrick's eve. [act hi 

JVi/z. Hardly — as well ns T can make out from w.hal 
Mrs. \\. snys. Mrs. B. says that — 

Jn,lv>,. Pf)()i» ! Mrs. B. be d— 

Utz. H(ai(. tlicre! 

Jo.lcn. D lin't " 'i'he Order" forbid the use of fire oi 
iiglii, oil pain of death % 

>^vrj. But would you make no allowance for an officer ! . 

Jo en. Oh — -aye — I firgot I was talking to an officer: 
ask pardon ; but d(tn't — don't depend too much on your 
laiik, r>j I can tell you, that if you bieak one of Fritz's 
<»id(M,s, in spite of your stripes, he'll bore you as full oT 
}j(^ies as my caitridge box. \Tirum 

Enter Captain ^kandt from House, r. 

BlUz. Is lie reprieved ] ' 
iS' /•;. Is he pardoned 1 
Jiithn Is he condemned ] 
/ Copt He's to be shot ; and that by the senior Grena- 
' diers (jf the Guard. 

Jo 'en. That's pleasant for us old ones ! Bess, my old 
lass, that bit o' lead will be the hardest mouthful ever 
crammed down your throttle. However, it's well to be 
a fivouiite at the worst of times. It's not every man 
would have the honour of his last volley from the muskets 
of the Grenadiers of Frederick's own Guard. 

[Drum — o)ie rvff, 
Cofit. The court's up. Guard, fall in. 
^eij. Guard, fall in. Order arms ! Shoulder arms ! 

[Drums rvff. 

Enter General and tivo Officers, and Major from the 

house. 

Major. Now, gentlemen, au revoir ; till when, Heaven 
and Saint Patrick be with you. 

[ Cajyfain gives sirord to Major. 

Gen. Major, your hand. I will not offer a brave man 
like y 'U the insult of pity. But in making report of your 
sentence to the king, whom I sliortly expect, will you 
eririble me to offer one woi'd to his majesty in extenuation 
(if your fan it 1 

Major. To the King 1 — Not one syllable ! But to your- 
self, general, let me offer the thanks of a'poor Irish sol- 



Scene I.] ST. PATRIClc's EVE. 29 

dier, into whose heart, wiien once man or \\oman found 
the way, it never after consulted liis head, when the qut^s- 
tioM was to do them a service. [The General txms airaij, 
eridrnth/ afected— Blitz adraures, R., fo Major, iv.t'r hs 
dorik—'salutes.] Ah, Blitz! my old boy, are yon there ? 
Welcome ! Welcome ! aye, put on my cloak, though u's 
not very cold either. But where the devil is iMother B., 
that .she never brouofht me a shamrock to-day at all ] 

B'ifz. xMrs. 1>. was in too much trouble to-day, Major, 
to think of any such nonsense. 

M.ijor. What's that 1 Is it nonsense ] The shamrock ! 
the evertTreen trefoil of ould Eiin ; the prt^ttiest, the most 
poctical.lthe most pious of national emblems, nimsense! 
Why. you heathenish dragoon, there's m<n-e m-eaning m — 
But there's no use expounding that which is beyond your 
limited comprehension. Pre&ent my love to Mrs. Blitz, 
and say I'll trouble her to add to her trouble on my ac- 
count, by getting me the neatest bunch of shamrock she 
can find. Though I couldn't live by the green. I'll die 
by it anyhow. It will serve, in my last hour, to recall to 
my memory the land of my birth. In my life^l have ne- 
ver ceased to remember it— I'll not forget it in my death ! 
[T/ie Grenadiers face up the sta^c, on the l.. and are 
led by the Serjeant round hij R., and across in front, 
going off, L., 'leai'ing rooni after the first sir for the 
Major to fall in, the last six folloiving him, i^litz 
follows also. — Exit, guarded, l. 
Gen. This is, indeed, the m.^st painful affair it ever fell 
to my lot to preside over. To see so brave a fellow, and 
so good a soldier, sacrificed to the mere letter of an or- 
der ! I never saw sorrow so universal as it appears to 
be for the major. 

Capf. No man dn the army has more friends. How 
dreadfully excited young Captain Gustavus appeared, 
■ when with you in the morning. Did he not insist on an 
interview with Frederick ] 

Gen. He did, but I was too much his friend to permit 
it. I put him un a wrong scent, by telling him the king 
was gone to inspect Prince Henry's division. 
' CipL And thither, I suppose, Gustavus set off imme- 
diately 1 , 
Gei. On the spur. But hush, here comes his mother 



30 ST. 



[Act- III. 



and his pretty cousin. The report is, that the young lady 
is betrothed to the poor major. 

y C(ipt. Oh, impossible ! 

^ Uni. I had it from the king himself, who is not easily 
blinded in love or war. This will be a most painful ren- 
contre, yet I carniot shun it. 

Enter Madame Schonfeldt and Catherlne, r. s^ e. , 

Calk. Count Gotha, they tell me you have the power, 
I know you have the heart, to be merciful ; say, are there 
yet hopes of succeeding with the king 1 

Gen. To appeal to me, my dear young friend, in any 
case where I have command, is to succeed; but in this, 
alas, T am powerless as yourself; my duty, however pain- 
ful the task, being only to obey. 

Mad. Oh, Gustavus, my son, my son! why did you 
peril yourself by seeking an interview with the king? I, 
at least, might have safely wept a way to his heart, wliilst 
one hasty word from your lips may involve us all in this 
ruin. 

Gen. Be comforted, Madame Schonfeldt ; 1 have se!it 
your son to seek the king where I knew he was not to 
be found. 1 felt that, in the temper he appeared bef )re 
me, I could offer him no greater service. 

Cath. Gustavus will not, then, see the king ! Oh, thanks, 
thanks ; there is yet hope. You will aid me to see him, 
general, but for a few moments. I will not long vainly 
importune him ; I feel 1 shall not, for my heart is break- 
ing. \Drtrm. 

Officer. [Without, r. s. e.J Guard, turn out! The- king! 
[Catherine falh on her knees. 

Cafh. Thank heaven ! then I shall be permitted to 
plead for him. I will not rise before he hears me. 

Gen. If y<ni would not destroy the hope you seek to 
cherish, be advised, retire for a few moments. Pray re- 
tire ; this way, Captain Brandt ! [ Whispers to Brandt, 
who ret/res vp with the ladies. Two ruffs and long roll of 
drum. 

Enter Frrdeuick, r. s. y.., followed by Dr. MoucirsT. 

Fred. So, ofeneral, gof)d morni-'ig. Any intelligence] 
All continue well with Prince Ileiu'y 1 



Scet^eI.] ST. Patrick's eve. 31 

Gen. I have some reports fr.im the prince to lay before 
your majesty if voii will please to enter the house. 

Fred. \a6i7iir.\ Oh ! Captain Brandt, let me see one or 

two of the most intelligent of tiiose prisoners, y<ning 

^SchonfeHt brought in last night. \ExU Brandt, l.J l>y 

the way, General, is that affair of Major O'Dogherty, of 

my guard, over 1 um ! 

Gen. It is, sire. 

Fred. Weill He— 

Gen. He will die, one hour after sunset. 

Fred. Anything to say from 1 — 

Gen. Not one word, sire. He declined my offer to* 
communicate his wishes to you. 

Fred. He did right ; he would only vse1e.<is1y have pain- 
ed my feelings. He knew this, and simred me. He's a 
brave soldier. 

Gen. Not a braver in the guard, sire. 

Fred. Not one ! You returned him his sword, afte/ 
sentence 1 Good. Let him die with it by his side, as he 
wishes. Mais aUons, docteur. Au revoir, count. [As he 
turns he sees Madame Schonfeldi kneeling.] What's here, 
eh I Madame Schonfeldt ! your humble servant. Pray 
rise! What is all this 1 Rise, madame, and soberly tell 
me what you desire of me. 

Mad. Pardon, sire; pardon for the excellent major! 

Fred. Madame Schonfeldt, you are a worthy and an 
excellent housewife. I know it, for I witnessed and be- 
nefited by your management for three months, duiing 
which time 1 never interfered with any one of your domes- 
tic arrangements ; did 1 1 

Mad. Sire, grant my request, I am overpaid. 

Fred. Overpaid ! I think so, with a vengeance! if you, 
because you fed me for three months, expect to overturn 
the discipline of my whole army. Perhaps you'd like to 
take the command ! I wish you would, and let me d'esert, 
t)r run away, for I grow weary of it. 

Mad. Heavenly mercy, sire, is one of your brightest 
prerogatives ! 

Fred. Even justice, m.adame, is the prerogative of my 
feople. I dare'not usurp it to gratify my own feelings. 

Mad. In the sacred cause of mercy, you will incur no 
blame from your people ; your own heart, sire, will an- 
rwpr tbaL 



32 ST. PATRICK S EVE. [ACT III. 

Fred. T have ceased to consult 7;??/ heart, or T should 
ill do my duty. I have no feelings of rnj/ own^ where my 
people's welfare, oi- the safety of iheir country, is a party, 
if I continue to shut my eyes on every breach of disci- 
pline, vvhnt fallows ? — my army becomes ineffective, is 
beaten, sinks in spirit, continues to suffer reverses, dege- 
nerates into a disheailened mob ; all Prussia, as well as 
my capital, is overrun by my enemies; Russimi, French^ 
Austrian, Cossirh, and Pandour, carry murder and viola- 
tion into the bosofns of our homes, till ihe land is left a 
desert. In this ruin you would suffer, it is true; but.no 
curses would ring in your dying ears, or self-born re- 
proaches burn within, worse than the enemy's fire, and 
more enduring; reminding you, that had your heart been 
consulted less, and the great ends of justice more, stran- 
geis would not be making desert the inheritance of youi 
children ! Go, go; return home, madame : I honour yo//?* 
feelings — learn to respect and spare mine. Not another 
word ! [Turnin<r away, encounters Catherine, kneelins^ ; hei 
hands clasped, her eyes vplifted. in mute despair. Frederick 
looks at her for a moment.] Mais man chcr docteur, quelle 
horreur I This utterly passes my philosophy ! 

Enter Captain Brandt, l. 

Captain, direct the sentries to suffer no one to enter this 
house. Clear the court, even! [Affecting great severity. 
General, Doctor, and. Officers, exeunt, r. — ?i-hispers to 
Brandt.] Let the girl follow me, quickly and silently. 
Not a word ! not a word ! [Exit in house hastily. 

Cath. Oh, sire, hear me ! Oh, cruel, cruel ! 

Cajit. [To Catherine.] Follow the king, quickly. Hush! 

Cath. Ah! [Captain turns to the sentries, Catherine 
rushes into the house. 

Enter Mechi, r. 

Capt. [To Sentries.] Observe ! Suffer no one to enter 
the general's quarters during his majesty's stay. Ladies, 
1 must request you will retire. 

Mechi. Oh, madame, I've just seen Captain Gustavus 
ride into the camp. Such a fright, covered with dirt, and 
pale us a ghost ! 

Mad. \\'e must meet, and prevent his coming here ; it 



SCE5E ll.J 



ST. Patrick's evr. 33 



would des'.ioy all hope. Heaven touch the heail of the 
king with mercy. [Madame and Mcchi exeunt, r. 

Scene II. — Ante-room in the GeneraVs Qimiters. 
Enter Frederick, w., followed hij Catherine. 

Fred. Pooh, p')oh ! hold your silly tongue, girl ; why 
the plague should you diel I don't require that. 

Coth, Ah, siie, if the major dies, Gustavus will not live. 
and his death would break both his poor mother's and 
my heart. 

Fred. His dqath ! Whose death ? I thought it was the 
major you were pleading for. What the devil has his 
death to do with Gustavus Schonfeldt? 

Cath. No, sire, nothing; only I, I — 

Frdd. [Jisidc] Hum ! I begin to see further into this 
affair, I suspect. — [Aloud.] Come near; was this non- 
sense designed for you 1 [Shows the paper. 

Cath. It was, sire. 

Fred. Then O'Dogherty loves you ] [She hows.] and 
you love him evidently 1 

Cath. I do, indeed, kindest, bravest, best of men ! 

Fred. You know how much I am interested in the wel- 
fare of every member of Madame Schonfeldt's family ; if, 
now, I were to wink at the major's escape, on certain 
terms — 

Cath. Oh, sire, name ; and if we, if I — 

Fred. You shall make him your husband. I will ba- 
nish him my service and the Prussian States. You will 
accompany iiim, and be answerable that he-never returns; 
do you agree % You hesitate ! 

Cath. [Kneels.] Pardon, sire ! I see you know all, and 
vain is the attempt to blind you. It was for his friend, 
Gustavus, the major wrote those lines, the former being 
unable to keep a promise I had forced him to make me at 
'parting. 

Fred. More fools they to break through the first order 
of the campaign, and peril their own lives to dry the self- 
ish tears of a love-sick girl ! And you, too, you ought to 
have known better ; hoiv dare you fall in love with one 
of my guards, without mi/ leave ? You must tell Gusta- 
vus, that if he makes known his share of this aflair, he 



34 ST. Patrick's kve. ^Acr in 

must look to be included in the major's sentence. 

\ Catherine rises. 

Cat//. He will, nevertheless, make all known, sire, be 
assured, the moment he returns. 

Fred. Returns ! Where is he gone, then] 

Cath. To Prince Henry's camp, sire. Finding him re- 
solute to see you, 1, dreading tiie consequences, wrote to 
the general so to mislead him, w^hich he kindly did. 

Fred. Ha, ha ! why you're a cunning wencli, egad ; 
and if Gustavus weds, he must look to you. But that's 
not my affciir ; follow me into the general's room ; theie 
we can quietly consult some plan for this gilly fello\v''s es- 
cape. But J must not appear, mind. I'll do what I can 
to help ; but if your own wits do not accomplish the rest, 
why, shot he must be. Come, come. 

Cath. The world calls you severe, sire ; but, oh, how 
little does it know your heart. 

Fred. Pish ! you're a silly child ; the world is right, 
and calls me truly. The king is severe, terribly serere, 
and who shall blame the king. The world has no notion 
of the dangers which menace the state ; he knows them, 
but conceals them. When a poor old man, like your king-, 
has to contend, single-handed, with five enemies, each/' 
more powerful than himself, the moral superiority of his 
arms must be maintained. It is to the force of that opi- 
nion he owes his safety ; it is the true foundation of his 
throne. That moral superiority he has maintained in de- 
feat and victory: and whilst he lives, he will maintain it. 
It promises to him present security; it ensures to him ul- 
timate triumph over his enemies, with the respect and 
love of his people. [Exit, l. 

Scene HI. — Interior of the Major^s Hut, as before — candle 
lighted — bed removed- — Major\^ cloak spread over the 
arin-chair, on r. of table. 

Major discovered smoking. 

Major. {.Sings.'] Tobacco is an India weed, &c. 

There's a deal of morality in that little song; though, 
r»ften as I've sung it, it never struck me till now. To be 
sure, I don't remember ever befoje giving my mind to 

X< t but I've often had 



ScESF. III.] ST. patuick's eve. 35 

a smart tap on the door from the same leaden messengers, 
but then tliey always come unlooked for, and in hot bl(K:>d, 
there's the difierence. I wish old Fritz had sentenced 
me to be killed in the next action ; I'd have enefasred to 
manage it, by hook or by crook! It would have been all 
the same to him, and much more agreeable to me 

Enter Blitz, d. p. 

than being paraded out in the cold night, and stuck up 
mum chance, like a stuffed yager, to be popped at. 

{_Sings.'] Think of this, &c. IBlitz salutes. 

Well, Blitz, is it almost sundown 1 

Blitz. 1 don't know, Major. 1 havn't seen the sun to- 
day. I wish we'd a Lapland winter, and he'd not set for 
six months; that would puzzle them. Please, major, 
here's Mrs. Blitz outside wants to see you. 

Major. Ah, ha! better late than never; tell her to come 
in ; but mind, I'll countermarch her in one moment if 
she blubbers. Say so, Blitz ; I know she's a tender- 
hearted fool, and we must bully her. [Sings.] *' Think of 
this," &c. 

.Enter Mrs. Blitz, d. f. Mrs. B. brings with her a small 
bunch of shamrock — comes down, r., striving to hide her 
sorrow from the Major's observation. 

Mrs. B. Servant, Major. 

Major. MoiTow, Mi's. B. ; do you trot here in the cool 
of the evening to bid me a good morning, and this the 
17th of March, of all days in the 365 ? Arn't you asha- 
med of this neglect, after all the little attentions I've paid 
you for these twelve years ? 

Mrs. B. Ah, Major ! the colour of this day is sadly 
changed. 

Major. To be sure, things will change colour ; you're 
not quite so rosy, as the day you coaxed me to take this 
scrub of yours for my batman. 

Mrs. B. What will become of us, now. Major] I've 
often told Blitz he did not know half the kind things you 
did for him. 

Major. Ah, well! never mind now, Mrs. B. It's too 
late to upbraid him with his obligations ; he's an honest 
old fellow, and I forgive him all he owes me. 



36 ST. Patrick's eve. [act hi 

BHfz. Heaven bless your honour ! 

AlojOr. Well, you got the bunch of shamrock for me 
at I'dsr, 1 see ; and why didn't you bring it to me in the 
morning, and not let me go to parade half diessed ? I 
felt like an ensign, who had lost his colours, through your 
forgetfuhiess. 

Mis. B. It's the last time I'll ever forget it, Major. 

Mnjor. Thank you, that's a comfort anyway. Give it 
here to me ; let me look upon it f )r the last time. Why, 
Mrs. Blitz, how's this ? it's wet. Pho ! nonsefise ! Jt 
would have kept green f jr my time without being water- 
ed, you silly woman ! 

Mrs. B. T didn't know, I'm sure, Major; if it's wetted, 
it's with my tears, I'm sure they fell like rain all the time 
I was picking it. 

Mdjor. Och, fie, fie, Mrs. B. ; tears from the wife of an 
old dragoon of the guard ! Vou ought to be ashamed to 
own it — there, dry yoiir eyes. 

Mrs. B. It's no use drying them, Major. 

Major. Then take them away out o' this : you're a fool- 
ish old woman, Mrs. Blitz. 

BHlz. She can't help it, sir. 

Major. And you're a:nother, making a watering-pot of 
that empty head at your time of life. To see a fellow 
blubbering like a sucking crocodile, and every bristle on 
his lip as grey as a superannuated badger. There, now, 
good bye, Mrs. B. ; be off with you both, and don't teaze 
me. 

Mrs. B. Oh, Major, oh ! I shall never be worth soap for 
a day's washing again. I'm quite broken — quite wrung 

Major. I wish you were wrung dry. Here, Blitz, take 
this; I owe you something. [Offers purse. 

Blitz. No you don't. Major. 

Major. Do as I bid you. Blitz. 

Mrs. B. Let him touch it, if he dare ! 

Major. Mind your soap-suds, Mrs. B. Take hold of it, 
you old ass, don't I always give my stable a treat on St. 
Patrick's day ? 

Blitz. They'll have treat enough for this day. I beg 
pardon. Major, for disobeying orders; but if I finger one 
penny of that, may 1 be damned. [Goes vp. 



SCFT.E II .] ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 37 

Major. Urn! heaven knows, it's no grreat matter in it. 
Well, I'll put it in my pocket till by-and-bye ; and if the 
grenadiers dotlieir business in a S(.ldier-like way, and shoot 
me dead at the first fire, V\\ make them a posthumous 
present of it, to drink my health after. 

Bl/fz. \Af dfjf>r.\ 1 see Captain Gustavus and Miss Ca- 
therine coniiiig this way, Major. 

Majf>r. The devil y<.u do ! Now comes the worst pait 
of tin's day's drill. * Well, be off with you both : and 
Blitz, bid mv groom have Grey Munster at the door in 
field (lay order^ I'd like that poor horse to see the last 
of me. Heaven be with you, my dear Mrs. B., good bye. 
[Kisses her affcrlionatch/. Madame B. raises her hands to 
the sides of the Major's head, and hisses his cheeks on hath 
sides.] Mrs. B., Mrs. B., for shame — here's company com- 
ing. 

Mrs. B. Oh, Major, that I should live to see this. 

\Exevnt Blitz and Mrs. B., at door, F. 

Major. \Rcsuming his seat and pijye.] Good, old girl. 
It's well for a poor exiled soldier, far from country, kith, 
or kin, to feel that at least one honest Christian tear will 
bedew his stranger grave. Och, when one's in real heart- 
grief and sorrow, there's no man like a woman — when 
she's sincere — and I'll answer for Mrs. B., though I 
couldn't for Miss Dalia O'Dogherty. 

Enter Gustavus, Madame Schonfeldt, and Catherine, 
at door. Catherine wears a large cloak, hat, and veil. 
Gustavus rushes down to Major. Catherine carefully 
closesJhe door, and advances with Madame S.. R. 

Gus. Pardon me, my friend, for not sooner seeing you : 
but though so long absent, I have not, believe me, been 
idle. 

Ma]or. Your hand, my dear lad ; — not another word 
about' it. Mum! Ah, pretty one ! you here, too, in this 
black evening! This is kind. Madam, your most devo- 
ted. I can just ask you to sit down, ladies ; but, faith, if 
you two had been three, we must have made one of my 
seats carry double. 

Cath. Dear iSiajor, this is no time to express all that I 
feel 1 owe to you, when I am about to pray for one added 
favour at your hands. 





38 ST. Patrick's eve. j-act hi 

Major. Never doubt me, Miss Catherine ; I'm yours 
for the remnant of my life — I've no duty to perform — I 
can dispose of both myself and my time as 1 choose — 
that is, provided always you limit my services within 
these four walls. 

Cath. The service I require will remove you from 
their hated limits, I trust happily, and for ever. 

Major. Oh — hum ! Well, Miss Catherine — as how 1 
Gus. Look not so frowningly, O'Dogherty. Biiefly, a 
plan is arranged for your escape — you must embrace it. 
Ma/1. Be not so hasty, my son ; he will, when — . 
Major, Never! Gustavus — Madame — I have risked 
something to secure your regard ; and were my life now 
at my own disposal, it should be again at yours. But 
this is a personal point of honour, and to no man, or wo- 
man, will I yield it. I never yet flinched from death in 
the performance of my duty : — I will not now fly to avoid 
the penalty incurred by my neglect of it. No, my friends 
— ask it not ; I am a resolved man ! 

Gus. This brave, this honourable example shall not be 

lost upon your friend. Major — yes, we will live or die 

*^^ogether : and this moment 1 — [Going. 

Cath. [Crosses to hi?n.] Oh, Gustavus! [Detaining him. 

Gus. Yes, by my soul, I swear, we this night, comrade, 

march in company, be it for life or death ! 

[Throws himself on the seat l. of tahU. 
Cath. [Approaching the Major, irho is evidentl ij much 
moved,] For life be it, then. Oh, for life — f jr life ! 

[ H'jstericalh/. 
Mad. Oh, Major ! could you kill at one blow the friend 
who loves you, the mother who implores you, and the 
young wife who supplicates you to preserve to her the 
chosen of her heart % 

Major. The what ? — the wife ! Are you, then, the 
wife of — Pho ! — I mean, has little Catherine here stolen 
a march on old Fritz ? Faith, it's well he doesn't know 
it ; he'd hang you all. 

Ciith. Ah, no! — less cruel than you, Major, our King 
already knows all our fault, and pardons it. 

Major. Huzza ! By my soul he got out of bed on the 
right side to-day, any way ! Then leave me to die quietly, 
and theie's an end. 



ScrNE III.] ST. Patrick's eve. 39 

Cath. Nay, more; from him emanated this plan for 
your escape, Major. 

Mdjor. From the King! Oh! blarney! But how am 
I to pass the guard outside, unless they promise to fall 
asleep ? And next, how get through the lines without 
the countersign for the night ? 

Gus. You forget; 1 have already the word for the day, 
and, with speed, we yet may have time to pass the lines 
before it is changed. Decide, Major, to obey the King's 
merciful suggestion, and fly with me, or I confess my 
share in this breach of discipline, and die with you ! 

CatJi. Consent, dear Major ; acce[)t the King's mercy, 
and no day shall pass without blessings rising to Heaven 
ft)r your welfare. 

Major. Why, my dears, if you're not deceiving me, 
and if the King really did desire that 1 should escape his 
sentence — 

Cath. By all my hopes of present life and happiness, I 
have told you the truth ! He suggested this, and his or- 
der gained us admittance here. 

JMnjor. Any way — there's no disputing with such eyes 
as yours, my dear! Oh, woman, woman ! you've always 
deluded me ! — But, first and foremost, let me know how 
I'll pass the guard uutside. 

Caf/i. Here — wearing my pelisse — wearing my shawl 
and hat, my veil — all has been concerted, 

[Catherine goes to the chair r. of table, on which the 
Major's military cloak is spread, draws it quickly 
over her, and puts on his hat which lies on the tahle. 

Major. And a pretty concert we'll make of it; and you — 

Cath. Behold ! I'm prepared. 

Major. F«»r all — up to the " Present," you'd not wait 
for "Fire," I suspect. 

Mad. Major, Majf»r, you must argue no longer. 

Major. Do you think I'll leave this creature to stand in 
my boots at such a moment ] If 1 do, I'll be — 

\MuJJled drums heat. 

Captain Brandt enters, d. f., down, l. As he opens door^ 
Madame SrhofifcJdt and Gustavf/s stand between him 
and the Major, in front. 

Capt. Major, we are about to parade the guard. Have 



40 ST. Patrick's eve. [act hi. 

you any commands, first 1 — 

[AddressJTfg Catherine, who nods in rejyly. 

Gus. Captain Brandt — by your favour, in one minute 
more we take our leave. 

Capt. Pray command me to the utmost limit of my or- 
ders. [Bows, and exit, d. f. 

Gvs. Now, Major, decide to act with me in this at- 
tempt at safety, or I call back Brandt, and confess to him 
our true situation. 

Mojor. And a pretty situation it is, and be d — d to it. 
I, who've been shot at all my life, like a man, to turn 
woman at last. Then, leaving her to personate me, is 
little better than downright suicide. However, here I am 
at your disposal — do what you will with me, ladies. 

[T//C7/ dress /^/m ivhife they ijfeak. 

Cath. My blessing attend you, dear Major. Now, 
stoop low, and lean on your supporters. So — so — on, my 
mother. 

Major. With all my heart ; but being a young la'dy, 
I'd naturally choose the other sex for a leaning post. So, 
Gustavus, by your leave, I think you might be more at- 
tentive, considering my sex and situation. Mind, jewel, 
show them what you are before you're shot. 

[Catherine sits in the chair. 

E?ifer Blitz, d. f., down l. 

Blitz. Munster's ready at the door. Major, [Catherine 
nods.] They're now telling off the party. 

Mad. Heavens ! we are too late. 

Blitz. If you wait a moment longer, Madame, there'll 
be better light; they're going to fire a couple of large 
torches outside there. 

Major. The devil they are ! [Major, sustained hy Gus- 
tavus and Madame, hurry off at door, f. 

Bfitz. Mrs. B. has sent your best white handkerchief. 
Major; it's nice and clean, and she said you'd like it bet- 
ter than a rough sash about your — your — [Wiping his 
eyes. — Catherine rods, and tahes it.] Poor master! he's 
silent — a little cast down at the last moment. Pll lay a 
year's pay, quiet as lie sittj there, he'll die a man for all ! 
Poor Mrs. B. ! how she'll miss him : he had but one fault 
in her eyes — she used to say he was such a devil amongst 
the w^omen folk — and I remember — 



/ 

SC5PE II .] ST. PATRICK S EVE. 41 

Cath. Hem ! [CougJis, 

Blitz. Did you call, Major] Oh ! praying, perhaps. 
[jMnJfii'd drums he it. Dead marcli j)laye:l hehind 
scenes : Tiro Pioneers enter, rvith mvjlcd black cased 
drums. Twelrc Grenadiers, with arms reversed^ 
enter at door, and ran<re on L., followed hij- Captain 
Brandt. Catherine Jails gradually on her knees. 
■ Capt. Rise, Major — let me assist to raise you. [Goes 
over.\ Ha ! he droops, he faints ! 

Blitz. Faint ! if he does I'll be d — d : bring the lights 
here. 

[Catherine screams and, falls senseless, discovering^ her- 
self hy her hat falling off ; at the same time Blitz 
looks bewildered a moment, then bursts ovt into gro- 
tesque joy, sings, dances, Sfc. ; door opens, and Ma- 
dame ScJiorfeldt enters — Catherine rushes to her, 
Cath. They are away, then he is safe — safe ! 

Blitz. [Sings.'l Quarters too hot, fol de rol, lol ! 
Off like a shot, fol de rol lol la ! 

General Goth a enters, speaking. 

Gen. Captain Brandt, is the Major ready ] 

Blitz. [Saluting. \ Not yet. General. I'he Major was 
never too late for parade before — first offence — hope 
you'll excuse it, tol de rol ! 

Gen. What! an escape, Captain] Not a Word here. 
Ladies, your motives for this daring step will, I hope, ex- 
cuse you to the King, before whom I must now conduct 
you. Captain, follow with your guard to the old lodge 
west of the wood, on the left of our lines, there we shall 
find the King. Now, ladies, with your leave. 

[General and Ladies retire up. 

Capt. Move forward, men — quick march. Slope arms ! 
[Grenadiers move round in front, and through door, slo- 
ping arms as they near it. 

Blitz. Oh, ho ! [Scats himself. \ how my sides ache, and 
my mouth's as dry as if I'd been chewing cartridge ends 
for half a day. What an escape ! [Sees bottle.] Ah, how 
providenlial ! — [Fills.] and the ladies to do it — long life 
to them. What news for Mrs. B. ! he ! he ! I must quiz 
her a litttle. [Calls.] Mrs. Blitz ! [Drinks.] Mrs. B. was 
right ; she always said he was a devil among the girls, 



42 ST. Patrick's kve. 



[Act III 



and I dare say she knew pretty well how things went. 
Poor soul ! she'll be mad with joy. Mrs. B. ! — [Drhiks.] 
— well, it's strange, I found grief a pretty spongy sort of 
a feeling; but, 'pon rny honour, 1 think joy's worse; it's 
a perfect sand-bag. [Baw/s.] Mrs. Blitz, come out, I've 
good news of tlie Major! That'll bring her out of the 
dark. [Seats Imnsclf agarriy u., drinking — Mrs. Blitz slofv- 
ly entering, r., during the foil owing. \ I'll pretend to Be 
fuddled. Poor soul, if she takes on so much for the Ma- 
jor, what would she do if anything were to happen to me % 
Oh ! mum, here she is ; — sit down, my dear. 

\A^'eds to he tipsy. 

Mrs. B. Why, I can't believe my eyes. Oh, the old 
sot! Well, what's your good news of the Major? 

Blitz. Why it's all over, my dear — take a drop. 

Mrs. B. All over ! — I can't drink it — all over ! 

Blitz. Yes, he's off! — [Drink'^.\ Here's a pleasant jour- 
ney to him, I must drink that, heigho ! 

Mrs. B. [Aside] The wretch ! — [AIond.\ Give me a 
glass?, Blitz. 

Blitz. You know, my love, you can't drink it. 

Mrs. B. Never mind : fill me a glass, I say. 

Blitz. There's a bumper; now what will you do with 
it, eh 1 he I he ! he ! 

jMrs. B. Wash your ugly face with it. [Flings it in his 
fuce\y you hypocrite, you ungrateful, unfeeling old mon- 
ster : that I should live to see this ! [Seats herself crying 
bitterly ; Blitz laughs, and, risivg, approaches her.] Don't 
come near me, or I'll tear your eyes out. 

Blitz. Well, now, my poor dear wife. 

^Jrs. B. Don't dear ?//^^6' me! I'm no dear wife of yours, 
you brute, you ! 

Hlitz. Oh, fie, Mrs. B., don't say that ; consider my cha- 
1 acter, if you've no regard for youj- own : don't be angry 
with me, for sorrow ought to be drowned. 

I\lrs. B. You ought to be hanged. What would you 
say to me, if you'd found me diunk here on the very day 
a good kind master of twelve years died a cruel death ? 

Bltz. I should say you were a thirsty, ungrateful, mid- 
dle-aged matron. And what would you say to 7nc, if you 
found me sober here the very hour a good kind master 
had escaped from a cruel death ; eh ? ^ 



ScElfElV.] ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 43 

Mrs. B. Eh — what, Blitz 1 escaped ? you don't, daren't 
jest with me ; but you said — 

B/itz. 1 said I'd good news, and I had ; and I said it 
was all over, and it was. 

Mrs. B. Oh, dear, my head ! but you said — 
Fditz. I said he was oft", and he is. Vou see, Madame 
Schonfeldt, Miss Catherine, and Captain Gustavus, were 
passed in to see the Major, by the king's order. Well, 
the Major he jjullcd on Miss Catherine's gown, and walk- 
ed off'; Miss Catherine, she pulled on the Major's — cloak, 
cloak, and staid behind — and — tol de rol lol. 

[Sings and dances. 

Mrs. B. Ha! ha! ha! Oh, dear! I'm so— if you 
don't hold me 1 shall faint— I could take a glass of wine 
now I Ha ! ha ! ha ! Oh, dear Blitz ! 

Blitz. You'll wash my ugly face again, eh ! 

Mrs. B. No ; but I'll' kiss it dry, ugly as you are. 

Blitz. Vou must be quick, then ; for I'm off* directly 
to old Fritz's quarters. The General has marched the 
ladies there, to make his report : now I should like to 
know what the fdd king will do with them. 

Mrs. B. I'll go too ; and if he touches a hair of their 
heads, I'll let him hear ?/?// opinion of him. Blitz, do 
you think the old king can do anything to those two dear 
young ladies 1 

Bntz. I don't think he can, if you ask me. But only 
think of their running such risk for the Major ! You al- 
ways said he was a devil amongst the womankind. 

Mrs. B. Was, and is, and always will be, 1 hope; but 
come along. Blitz, let's follow and learn all. 

Blitz. One moment — touching this boltle 1 

Mrs. B. Oh, hang it, take a glass and leave the bottle. 

Blitz. Don't you think, Mrs. B., it will be as well to 
take the bottle and leave the glass. Now, Mrs. B., for 
the ladies : egad, I begin to feel like a devil of a fellow 
after the girls myself [Exeunt, r. 

Scene IV. — A dark wood ; old-fashioned Lodge, L. u. e., 
with Tent-house and folding doors leading to Cellar. 

Enter Gustavus and Major, r., looking hack cautiously 
as f followed. 

Gus, I tell you, Major, we're ton late; the word for 



44 ST. Patrick's eve. ^act hi. 

the day is changed. To pass the lines here in face of the 
rounds would be impossible : and it certainly was them 
we stumbled on. 

Major. But what the plague were they at, standing 
stock still in the wood, lumped together, heads and tails, 
like the pigs in Pat's parlour, not to take up all the room ? 
They couldn't be the rounds. 

Gus. [ IV/iO Jias been listening, n.\ Hush ! they cohie 
this way. 

Major. Then we'd best go the other way. [Noise. 

Gus. How ! they are dismounting ! this way we may 
observe. They are of the guard. 

Major. Now mind, captain, if once we're challenged, 
to the devil I pitch this uniform. I'll not be shot in pet 
ticoats — no offence to the ladies — so I tell you. 

[T/iey retire up, R. 

Enter Trenck a?fd Tivelre PanJours, in the dress of the 
Dragoons of the Royal Guard. 

Trenrk. So far, all goes well ! Oh ! here is the door. 
[Goes to the pent-house, and stamps. Pierre comes from 
the door. 

Pierre. Alerfe, Mons. Trenck ! me voici. I am alrea- 
dy wis you. Messieurs les Pandours — Serviteur. Mais 
qu'il fait froid — Sacre bleu ! 

Trenck. Is the old gentleman ready for his ride ] 

Pierre. Oui, quite prepare. Have you some horse for 
to ride — myself and le docteur 1 

Trenck. Three spare horses, one for your master, one 
for yourself, and one for the — 

Pierre. Oui, I know ; taisez-vous — descendons. 

Trenck. Must we enter by this underground route 1 

Pierre. Sans doute. Dis cellar come up in ze room, 
where ze old king and my master play together at oci)ecs 
— dere we shall find him snug, eh] I have come down 
for some wine. He ! he ! 

Trertrh. Wine, eh! I'll present him with a dozen of 
real Hungary, that shall stir his blood like brandy. Sla- 
vitz ! stay by the door ; suffer no one to depart or to ap- 
proach without the word '* Trenck.'" Lead the way, Mon- 
sieur! lead the way. 

P ere. [Crosses, ii.] I shall, if you please — not — I shall 
Btf'}> wis Slavitz, and help him to wash ze top of ze house. 



ScEto: v.] ST. Patrick's eve. 45 

Trench. Stay here, then ; and Slavitz, if this fellow is 
restive or noisy — you know — tcJiick ! [Imitating the pvll- 
i^g 'if^ f'''SS^''-\ l)own lads ! quick, quick, quick ! [ The 
men go into the cellar^ through, the doors of the 2^cnthouse.\ 
Slavitz! Temember the word is " Trenck." [Exit into 
Penthouse. — Major and Gustaims appear behind, w. 

Gks. 'Tis the King they menace! What's to be done ] 

Major. Tlescue him, to be sure ! This way, one mo- 
ment. 

Pierre. Mais tenez — 1 feel somebody wis my ears. 
[Major a?id Gustavus retreat behind the wing, r., as 
Slaritz and Pierre turn round to look. 

Slav. Who goes there 1 [Bringing his musket to the re- 
cover.] Speak — [Steps up stage.] — Speak, or I fire ! [Ano- 
ther step, and jnesents, as the scene closes behind him, 

ScENK V. — A Front Wood. 
Enter Gustavus and Major, r., cautiously. 

Major. He sees us no longer — he has turned the corner 
of the house — his shadow's off the ground. Now I com- 
mand you to obey my order ; 'tis the safest plan — avoid 
their horses, and make for the nearest of our picquets ; 
bring the men with you on the 5pur, till then I'll engage 
to amuse these rascals, never fear. 

Gvs. 1 had better remain — you'll be overpowered, and 
perhaps both be sacrificed before I return. 

Major. Don't prate ; give me your hat and sword ; I've 
a plan of my own to take them all prisoners — then away. 
I fear that damned fellow will again challenge before I'm 
ready to advance to him with the word — Trenrk, isn't it 1 
All right. Och, I'll bother the Pandours. How surprised 
ould Fritz will be to see me I 

Gus. You are right — I'm gone ; but be cautious. 

[Exit Gvstavvs, L. 

Major. Now to show myself boldly, and advance with 
the name of this Pandour in my mouth. Och, Pm in luck ; 
and now, at least, stand a chance of dying in a natural 
way. So now for a peep, and then to show myself If I 
can only put my hand on the collar of Mr. Slavitz, I'll an- 
Bwer for his making no great deal of noise in this world. 
So, now's my time. [Exu, n. 



46 ST. Patrick's kve. [Aot iu. 

Scene VI. — Interior of an old-fashioned Gaviekcc}H'r\\ 
Lodge. Trophies ff various sorts of game, wolf r/h\ 
hear. On one side, a wood fire on huge dogs. Balus 
trade at hach, hading d.own stairs to cellar. A lamp 
near it, as if hft by some one who has gone down. 

Fredt^rick ami Mouchet discovered playing at chess. 

Fred. You'll out-manoeuvre me again, Docteur ; you're 
the best tactician after all. 

Doc. I claim your castle, sire. 

Fred. Take it. 

Doc. The last knight — you'll be taken, sire. 

Fred. The sooner the better ; that monarch merits cap- 
tivity who knows not when to die ! ** Forward, Sir King, 
forward ! On, boys, on !" [Singing. 

Dor. Check, site. 

Fred. Ha! I must retreat, then: I've yet one move 
left! only one! \ Trench and. dragoons, having mounted 
the stairs vnfdtscrved, now advance. 

Trench. Not one, sire. Your majesty's check-mated. 

Fred.. [Starts into a. corner, draiving his sword.] Ha! 
Treason ! my guard ! Pierre — Brunet — who waits? 

Trench. 'Tis useless, sire, you are my prisoner. Permit 
me to assist you to a hat and cloak : 'tis of your own 
guard, you need liot blush to wear it. 

Frcd'^. I do blush to see the uniform of my guard so 
disgraced ! Baron, this is i/n pen trap fort. The Empc- 
ror cannot sanction this royal hidnapping^ this assassm- 
like proceeding. 

Trench. Your majesty can argue that point with him 
in person, to-morrow, in Count Daun's camp, where he 
waits to welcome you. By your leave, sire — our time is 
precious. 

Fred. Scoundrels! Touch me not — I'll hang every ras- 
cal of you ! Ah, Docteur ! coquin et lache que vous ^tes ! 
you have betrayed your friend ; but I'll not submit to such 
a derrradation/ Baron, dead, you may take me ; alive, 
never I 

Trench. Nay, then, we must constrain you, sire. 

[Draws his sword. 
[A 2)istol is fired, behind ; and a cry is heard of " Tht 



ScEiosVi.j ST. Patrick's eve. 47 

Prussians ! the Prussians /" Trench rushes to- 
wards the door as the Major runs in, with his sword 
drawn. 
Trench. Ha! surprised! ' [Falls hack. 

Major. Baron Francis Trenck, surrender ! The house 
is surrounded by the Royal Guard. 

Pierre. \ Beloiv.] Murder ! Murder ! 

Major. If your majesty does not instantly show your- 
self, I can't answer for the lives of the prisoners, either 
without the house or within. 

Fred. Monsieur le Baron, by your leave ! 

[Crossing in front to Major. 

Major. To the left, sire — quick, quick ! — 

[Significantly. 

Fred. You, Major ! — [Aside.] Ha ! I see — I see ! To 
the left — eh ! [Exit at door. 

Pierre. [Below.] Get me up; — it is von dam ruse! 
Tronck, Docteur — dere is no Prussian. Murder ! Mur- 
der ! 

Major. Don't let him up here — [Pierre rushes up the 
stairs, pale and terrified?^ — he'll spoil the party. Ha ! ha I 

Pierre. Oh, Monsieur Tronck, you are made of fool! 
Dere is no one Prusse — only him — zere — he is beside him- 
self. 

Doc. How! What! — no Prussian % 

Major. You lie, rascal ! I'm not beside myself. Ba- 
ron, this fellow's not to be believed on oath. 

Trenck. Speak, rascal, coward, or I'll strangle you! 
Are we not sun'ounded 1 

Major. To be sure you are. Haven't I surrounded 
you ? Ha, ha, ha ! I'll die before I'm killed, now ! 

Pierre. Sacre bleu ! You will not understand. He is 
alone. He call out " Trenck," — den shoot pauvre Sla- 
vitz, and roll me down de cellar. Kill him, and run away 
wis me ! 

Trenck. Major, is this true ? 

Major. Every word of it — I give you my honour. The 
king is now out of your reach : all you've to do is- to or- 
der in supper, and we'll enjoy ourselves till he comes back 
with the guard. Ha, ha, ha ! 

Trenck. Ten thousand devils ! We must now look to 
our safety alone. Major, give way. 



48 ST. Patrick's e\'e. [Act iir. 

Major. In Ireland we never give way to any man in 
passion, except a mad bull, or a lady. 

Trenck. Cut him to pieces ! [Crosses to l. corner. 

Major. Ha, ha*! That's Irish — cut and come again, 
boys. 

[Drums, trumpets , and shouts ^ without. The King 
rushes in at door, followed by six Grenadiers^ the 
General, and Officers. Gustavus enters up the stairs 
with six more Grenadiers. Tableatix, 
Fred. Halt, guard ! A parley — Baron, surrender ! 
Trenck. To be hanged, or imprisoned in a dungeon, 
like my poor nephew ] Never, sire — I'll die by my game, 
as I made it. Pandours, fire — and forward. 

[ The dragoons present. The King advances towards 
them courageously. 
Fred. Recover ! [ The dragoons recover?^ Baron, you're 
a brave man : this audacious attempt proves you a clever 
one. I'll do more than you granted me — I'll profter 
terms. Take your own, and your men's lives — if, in one. 
minute, you surrender. [ Takes out his watch. 

Trenck. You're too generous, sire, and these conditions 

too honourable, to be rejected : but I must keep faith, 

even with a scoundrel. The Docteur, sire, must be spared, 

Fred. Hum! What! Philosophy] He shall have his 

life : 'tis not worth taking. 

Trenck. And freedom, sire 1 

Fred. And freedom. Baron, the minute has expired. 
Trenck. Sire, we are your prisoners. 

[Kneels, offering his sword ; at the same time the Dra 
goons lay down their arms. 
Fred. So, Baron, take your sword again ; and when 
next you would secure a king, be sure he has not a move 
left : there's a grand difference between check and check- 
mate, Baron. General, have those fair culprits brought 
before me. [Exit General at door.] Remove that traitor. 
Let him be conducted to the Austrian outposts, with his 
treatise on the philosophy of moral obligations tied about 
his neck, and himself strapped on the back of an ass. 

Ee-enter General, with Madame Schonfeldt and Ca- 
therine, at the door. 

Fred. So, fair ladies, you have been forcing my guard, 



Scene VI .] ST. PATRICK'S EVE. 49 

I hear; releasing prisoners, and committing other acts of 
downright rebellion ! 

Mad. Sf Cath. Mercy, sire ! 

FreJ. Mercy, eh ] Gustavus Schonfeklt, advance. 
Young lady, I owed to your father my life. If I give 
you the disposal of this culprit's, which he has forfeited, 
I shall balance the account. Take him — be happy ! — 
[Passes Gustavus, and crosses to Catherine. — Aside.] or 
I'll contrive his escape. Not a word. 

[ They kneel, and kiss the King^s hand with excessive 
emotion. The King puts his finger on his lips, and 
turns to the Major. 
As for you. Major — 

Major. Now comes my turn ! 

Fred. I have been somev/hat surprised to see you, I 
own ; but — 

Major. Your majesty would have had a greater sur- 
prise if you had not seen me ! 

Fred. I am glad you are not shot, on my own account. 

Major. And, on my honour, sire, so am I. 

Fred. Because your death would have been an act of 
gross injustice. I had, as I found on reflection, no right 
to issue any Order of the Day, whilst Count Gotlia was 
the general commanding the division. You perceive 1 
was wrong — eh ? 

Major. I certainly shall not dispute the point with your 
majesty. 

Fred. Still, some punishment is your due. 1 therefore 
dismiss you from your command in the Dragoons of the 
Guard. 

Major. Sire ! [Kneeling?^ Shoot me, ten times over, ra- 
ther ! 

Fred. QoMwX., you will this day erase the Major from 
off the muster-roll of the guard ; and at the same time 
add to ray staff-list, as colonel and aide-de-camp, the name 
of Sir Maurice O'Dogherty, Knight of the Black Eagle. 
You will need the order — wear mine. 

[Attaches to the Major's breast his own order. 

Major. If ever this order of yours is broken, sire, it 
must be by the sabres of your enemies. 

Fred. And you, [Addressing Grenadiers,] that suffer 
women to take your prisoner from under your bayonets, 



50 sx. fAiKHJii. » tVK. [Act III 

you, T fancy, as I'm in the forgiving mood, expect some- 
thing done for you. VV^ell, consider your reward, my 
sons, and let Jodcn inform me when you have resolved. 

Joden. We have already. 

Fred. What will you have? 

Joden. That you'll not be so rash for the future, but 
now you're getting old, keep amongst us, out of harm's 
way. 

Fred. Is that all ? 

Joden. Isn't that enough "? 

Fred, I am the happiest king alive ! 

[ WitJi great exultation. 

Trench. I no longer wonder at your victories, sire. 

Fred. You see. Baron, if you had succeeded, what a 
large family you would have left fatlierless. Captain 
Brandt, prepare to move off the guard and prisoners. 
Ladies, Count, Baron Trenck, Major O'Dogherty — 

Major. Colonel O'Dogherty, sire, at your service. 

Fred. True, I forgot. Colonel O'Dogherty, I must not 
turn you away supperless. If we are short of fare, re- 
member, my cook did not expect strangers to-night. In 
the mean time, if I may read the flattery of smiling faces 
and bright eyes, there are none present who do not sym- 
pathise with your escape, Colonel, and mine. 

Major. Your majesty must admit I have an additional 
claim on the sympathy of the ladies, since it was in their 
cause I erred. 

Fred.. True, Colonel; and on their influence you must 
rely to wipe away all remembrance of your errors. Let 
us hope, therefore, their smiles may prove the only Order 
of the Day ! 

[Flourish of drums and trumpets. Soldiers on each 
side fare about and march up, r. and l., the charax^- 
ters also moving up, whilst the Curtain falls on Ta- 
bleau. 

THE END. 



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